Ulysses, Kansas (CNN) - Out on the broad west Kansas prairie the tiny farm town of Ulysses is undergoing a quiet revolution.

About 15 years ago Ulysses, like many small rural communities, was slowly dying as the town’s youth grew up and left, seeking greater opportunities elsewhere. Then a handful of new residents began arriving in the mostly white town: recent immigrants from Mexico and Central America.

What started as a trickle soon became a flood. “It seems like every year it’s more and more,” says Irene Ramirez. Irene and husband Sefeino operate a Mexican bakery that has been doing a booming business.

“We don’t like big towns,” says Sefeino, who met Irene in Ulysess after arriving here as a migrant worker. “A lot of noise, a lot of traffic,” is how he describes larger places. Sefeino and Irene have flourished in Ulysses, raising their five children here.

Today Ulysses – population about 6,000– is more than 50% Latino.

Long-time residents could easily have become resentful over the demographic changes, but not that didn’t happen in Ulysses. “It’s just not a big deal,” according to Mayor John Battin. “They’re good neighbors. They’re good people,” Battin says of the new Latino community members.

Jose Olives, who works with United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries, says the Latino immigrants in Ulysses share the same small town values of their Anglo neighbors.

A bad economy, and the hard times that come with it, is something Ulysses knows well. During the depression the town suffered through the Dust Bowl era. Extreme drought killed crops and led to dust storms, which killed more crops. Agricultural production in Ulysses dwindled to almost nothing.

Since the 1940s there have been a handful of migrant workers in Ulysses. Most came from Mexico. But today’s jobs are more permanent. There is still work on the farms, but there are now jobs in the oil and natural gas fields, and in the area’s thriving cattle industry. Today’s immigrants come to stay.

That has been both a challenge and a boon for the local school district. With an expanding population comes a larger tax base and increased funding. But the district needed to find more bi-lingual teachers and classroom aides. That wasn’t easy.

District Superintendent Bonnie Dieter says the community united behind the goal. “It doesn’t matter where that child comes from. They are all our children, and I think the whole community embraces that idea. They come through our door and they are our kids. And inside a kid just needs to learn,” says Dieter.

The Daylight Donut Shop in Ulysses is a gathering place for Latinos and Anglos alike. One corner of the shop is reserved for “The Gray Haired Women’s Club.” It’s a gossipy group of ladies that have lived most of their lives in Ulysses. They told CNN they are concerned that some of the area’s most recent arrivals may be illegal aliens.

But Mayor Battin isn’t concerned. “I never ask that question because I don’t know and I don’t care,” he says.

Donut shop owner Deborah Thompson feels much the same way, “Everybody just gets along with everybody. We’re a small town, and that’s what’s great about a small town.”

soundoff(298 Responses)

proud_Ulysses_resident

I am a Ulysses resident my whole life,born and raised proud HISPANIC and I'm proud of it. Yea our town is VERY small and yes our population majority are Hispanics but so what?! Why do you people care?? U don't live in our community u don't see how our town comes togetherin time of celebration or loss!! In Ulysses everyone knows everyone no matter what races you are..we don't judge people based on ur Color u can be white brown black blue purple orange whatever and we still do NOT judge. Ulysses is a great place to raise a family. Its not like the bigger towns who have crimes we don't have gangs,drive bys,murrders, or a huge drug use...our community is growing little by little. If anyone wanted to find a job in Ulysses they can find one if they look hard enough so all this talk about Mexicans taking white mans job is a load of crap. Yes we might have less job choices but we are not a city where there are tons of jobs, but like I said u can still Finns one if u look hard enough.people these days are so racist....grow up!!! That's all I got to say
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!

As a Latino, I know for fact that this is not the reality. I have lived in a similar town and people were great at first, but as more migrant came in, people began to question the idea of allowing more of us in town. The ladies in the video are a true representation if this Ulysses. Let’s not be hypocrites and face the true reality. Look at states like Alabama and Arizona. Mexicans are getting out of those states because of the unfair treatments. Now you have town like Ulysses that welcomes them? It’s ok to have illegal immigrant? It’s ok if they break the law? Right! Not going to happen and people will get pretty scare because a person of different color, language and culture are seen by many in this country as a threat to society. This video is definitely a lie of reality.

Don't speak for conditions in Ulysses in you have not lived there. People do behave differently in other parts of the country. As a native of Ulysses I know that there are people in both groups that will not give up bigotry and hate. My brother was once turned out of a local bar that had been sold to a latino that enforced a no whites rule. Of course his business failed. Ulysses is not perfect, but it was a great place to grow up.

The mayors response is not how the majority of the residents of this community feel. The gray haired ladies are much more representative of the thoughts of UIysses, in my honest opinion. When a mayor says that he doesn't care if a member of his community is breaking the law, maybe it's time to replace the mayor. I also understand that a 20 minute interview can be condensed into a 20 second clip. This interviewer spun this story to a pro-illegal viewpoint.

The really messed up part is that Mexicans will and are very likely discriminating Central Americans as they have a hidden history of being racist towards non-Mexican Latino's. ESPECIALLY from Central America.

They deport Central Americans from Mexico, they abuse them, they do atrocities, human rights violations, you name it. Then when the majority latino which is Mexican settles in neighborhoods, etc. in the USA they have this hatred for Central Americans that they discriminate, marginalize, terrorize, intimidate, basically just all out racist stuff in order to gain access to jobs and resources.

Its awful. But not many people outside of both communities know.

But slowly the rest of Latin America, we're talking not only Central Americans but South Americans and from the Caribbean America's, etc. are realizing Mexicans for what they truly are. But they hide oh so well from the rest of the world.

Its like a bad kids that bully's another but when the teacher comes in, or mom, etc. enters the room, they hide their ugly heads and come off as if they are humble.

My comment here will get lost, but I hope it reaches others and I keep telling people about this problem.

Thats why MANY A LATINO of NON-MEXICAN descent DO NOT SUPPORT Mexican interest illegal immigration into the USA. They know of the hypocrisy. They know.

JOSE MARTINEZ , I AGREE WITH YOU....ARE WE BIGOTS ? NO..ARE WE ANTI MEXICANS ? NO....WE JUST WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS....WE PUT AMERICA FIRST...WE WANT THE BORDERS SECURE...ME ? I WANT TO END ALL LEGAL IMMIGRATION, DO WE NEED MORE IMMIGRANTS ? NO, WE DO NOT....DO WE NEED MORE ILLEGALS ?? NO, WE DO NOT...DOES THAT MAKE US HATEFUL ? NO...DOES IT MAKE US BIGOTS ? NO.... WE PUT AMERICANS FIRST..

Jose Martinez u suck ...just saying the truth it it wasnt for all imigrants this country of ours would not be this grand nation that everyone wants to come to.... People come to this country running away from proverty from violence and from the Goverment . Yeah and they come illegally but the come to work hard and to better themselves and the childeren . I not just talking about Mexican all races .... It's the worst when people like you a hispanic puts down their own ...because like it or not you have roots from their ...so get over your self and learn to see it from all sides. YOU IGNORANT ..AND A DISGRACE .

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON ARIZONA IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT....I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BILL THAT IS THE PROCESS OF BEING VOTED ON SOON, THE BILL WILL ALLOW ARIZONA TO HIRE ARM MILITIAS TO GUARD THEIR BORDER..CAN'T WAIT TO SIGN UP.....

The media knows how to pinch a nerve with the American people. Were a policed state they made us afraid of our own shadow, "There is no more community" The government does what it pleases , They want us to be poor so we will work for nothing. Bottom line there's a conspiracy going on in this country to bankrupt the middle class ! because if everyone's poor they"ll fight for the lowest income jobs just to buy bread! I have seen enough, I take care of myself and my family and I'm looking for a new country to move to! The American dream is dead , We all been sold down the river. And if you wanna keep paying for our senators and congressman 's lifestyles well you just go head. This old boy's done!

Now that's real progess, good for all the Hispanics who have made this small town in Kansas home. Now as far as being illegal you might want to rethink that term because its so wrong READ THIS STORY http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/x1765869967/Hispanics-can-claim-Native-American-heritage-in-2010-Census
http://www.facebook.com/people/SBfor-Justice/100000477329226

looks like we need to burn that town to grond i was born in country and im out of work its ben 2 1/2 years ive work all my life got lad off and now can:t get a job because of the illegals i went for a job interview last week here in colorado a truck driver they had one position open ive had a cdl for 20 years clean driving record so what did they due they a F#*&%n MEXICAN THEY ARE OVER RUNNING THIS COUNTRY they multiply like rabbits 12 thru 16 are haveing babies just so they can stay in the usa . this country need to run them out.

THOSE WHO PROTECT ILLEGALS PROFIT FROM THEM.....ILLEGALS AND BUSINESS OWNERS KEEP SAYING THAT ILLEGALS ONLY TAKE JOBS THAT AMERICAN DON'T WANT , THAT IS NOT TRUE......I SEE ILLEGALS AS ELECTRICIANS-ROOFER-HOME BUILDING-HOME REMODELING--TRUCK DRIVERS-THEY ONLY TAKE JOBS THAT AMERICANS DO NOT WANT IS NOT TRUE...IF ILLEGALS WERE DEPORTED ? UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD GO DOWN TO 2 % AND WAGES WOULD GO UP, A FACT.

It's apparently not the Hispanics that are keeping you from getting a job, it's you bud! I mean, look at your grammar skills! I wouldn't hire you either! You can't even put together one proper sentence. So I guess the next time you want to. Blame someone, look in the mirror.

ANTONIO--YOU CAN'T FOOL ANYONE..ILLEGALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNEMPLOYMENT....I'M HISPANIC GUY, I KNOW......COMCAST CAME TO MY HOUSE TO DO SOME WORK, GUESS WHO IT WAS ? A MEXICAN... I NEEDED ELECTRICAL WORK DONE, GUESS WHO CAME ? A MEXICAN....

Fred, you're not out of work because of the illegals, or us legals, for that matter. You're out of work because you possibly have an I.Q. of 12. I hope your wife is smart and your kids take after her, for their sake.

You guys are half "tarded" (especially Jose and some the people agreeing with him)...you seem to not be able to find the "caps lock" key on your computer, nor are you able to formulate a coherent sentence. Your credibility in any argument is null, and therefore everything you say just seems sounds ignorant. I have a degree in economics and international relations from a top-tier university and there are so many flaws in all your rhetoric. Feel free to respond in a coherent manner, and I would also be happy to explain any "big words" I may have used in this comment...by the way I am a legal Mexican who acquired citizenship through legal means a few years back. Did I steal your job? No because you would be under qualified to do my job.

thank you for your comments and from one American to another – you are a shining example of a person that does their own thinking and has personal pride and integrity. I used to live in Ulysses, Ks., and this is embarrassing!

2 JOSE'S. MORE POWER.. IF ARIZONA APPROVE THE ARM MILITIA LETS SIGN UP.....DEMOCRATS ARE NOT GOING TO SECURE THE MEXICO BORDER..IS UP TO CITIZENS WHO LOVE AMERICA TO DO IT...CAN'T CALL ME A RACIST CAN'T YOU.

To JOHN :
If you love mexico so much why don't you move to that garbage?America was so clean and peaceful back in the days,look at it now full of third world maggots.Over 50,000 people were killed in mexico since 2006 that's worst than the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.Look at the statistics all towns that have heavy mexican populations have the worst crime rates.I bet you would crap on your pants if you walked through the street of east La.

NORTH KOREA IS BEST KOREA B! http://creativeroots.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/North-Korea-is-Best-Korea-Kim-Jong-il.jpg

you know, it's usually the ignorant and people who can't think on their own that resort to racial bigotry as a way to try and "insult" people when they're called out. and for that i feel sorry for you, i feel you're one of those students that were left behind. trust me i'm not easily insulted with racism...i'm korean, we're the most f'n racists out there, we hate everyone equally, even other koreans.

FUNNY I THOUGH THAT I WAS THE ONLY HISPANIC THAT WAN' T TO DEPORT ALL THE ILLEGALS BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM...BUT IS TRUE....TOWNS WITH HEAVY MEXICAN POPULATION, YOU CAN'T WALK ON THE STREETS....THE TOWNS ARE ALSO RUN DOWN...HOPING FOR THE SUPREME COURT RULING TO COME SOON ON THE ARIZONA IMMIGRATION .....I'M ALSO HOPING FOR ARIZONA TO PASS THE ARM MILITIA BILL TO GUARD THE BORDER...CAN'T WAIT TO JOIN...WE GOT TO STOP THE FLOW OF ILLEGALS, THEY ARE COSTING TAX PAYERS $$ BILLIONS

Jose....your name says it all. You or your parents should be from latin america and instead of talking against your family you should be proud of it. If you didn't now immigrants pay taxes as much as any american citizen or even more!. So stop being ignorant and eduacte yourself more, then you can comment.

Hahahaha, those 50,000 deaths due to American drug policy that has its roots in anti-Mexican and anti-black racism. If marijuana wasn't illegal in the United States there would be no powerful drug cartels fighting each other in Mexico and the Southwest. It's bigotry like the kind you're expressing that caused those deaths.

And increases in crime have always been associated with waves of immigrants. Why? Because immigrants, generally, tend to be poor and uneducated (after all, if you have a posh life in your country of origin, why would you leave it?) and higher crime rates are always associated with higher rates of poverty. It was true with the Irish and the Italians and the Germans and just about every major wave of immigration the United states experiences. It goes away after a couple generations (but not, it's worth noting, with irrational fear mongering.)

DRUGS CONTRIBUTE TO MORE CRIME THAN ANY RACE FACTOR ITS A PROVEN FACT SENOR IGNORANT....PLEASE NOTE HOW THIS WHOLE ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY A MEXICAN IN THE FIRST PLACE, THEY LEARN THE POLITICAL GAME AND USE IT TO EXPLOITE THE SYSTEM NOT EMBRACE AN OPPORTUNITY. THEY HAVE PILLAGED THIER OWN COUNTRY AND LIKE ROACHES ARE MOVING IN LOOKING FOR MORE FREE HANDOUTS.

How about a story on how mexican immigrants transformed Lake Moses Washington,, once a nice town that even had a winery, into a drug and violence ridden dump, overrun with gangs and sporting the highest crime rate in all of Washington.

You’ll probably be labeled as a racist, but I believe you because I’ve seen it myself. I’ve never been to Lake Moses, but I’ve seen it happen in the Midwest. A lot of smaller towns are being overrun by migrants and illegals. Towns are facing bankruptcy because many of the migrants and illegals don’t (or won’t) pay property taxes and they eat up all the “social services”. Not to mention the crime and everything else they bring with them. The mayor of Ulysses tries to put a positive spin on the situation, but I’d love to see the town’s financial records and crime statistics.

I do agree with your comment, I am from Ulysses and what this little clip does not show is that the Mexicans that are showing up here do not take care of anything, they have no regard for anyone else, they ride the welfare train and don't even look for jobs, of course this is not all the Mexicans here, there are allot of decent ones to but the majority of them are destroying this community, I think cnn would of made a video about the negatives of the Mexicans if they could of done it with out being racist. What cnn did not mention was in this little town in the past 5 years we have had one double homicide, Done by a mexican to a mexican family. My son is the only white kid in his class, He couldnt understand why he was the only one in there that did not know how to speek spanish, Its getting out of control and needs to be dealt with.

I'M A HISPANIC GUY, I VOTED DEMOCRAT, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT DEMOCRATS WANT TO ENFORCE THE IMMIGRATION LAWS...I AGREE WITH THE ARIZONA GOVERNOR, LIKE HER OR NOT...IS GOING TO BE UP TO THE CITIZENS TO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME TO SECURE THAT BORDER...WE ARE BEING INVADED BY ILLEGALS, WE DO NOT HAVE THE JOBS ANYMORE...WE HAVE OVER 25 MILLION AMERICANS UNEMPLOYED, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH OUR POLITICIANS ?? IS BEYOND ME..

CNN, DO NOT WANT TO SHOW THE DESTRUCTION ILLEGALS ARE CAUSING ...THE $$BILLIONS THEY ARE DRAINING FROM SERVICES, LIKE WELFARE-FREE EDUCATION-FREE HOSPITAL CARE ....CNN IS PRO HISPANIC, THEY HAVE HISPANIC T.V. IN SPANISH....SAME WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES, THEY LOVE MEXICANS BECAUSE THEY GO TO CHURCH IN HUGE NUMBERS.....SO MONEY AND VOTES SPEAK..

Don't you mean "Moses Lake," Washington and not "Lake Moses"? Do you really live there? Or are you just reading maps and making up stories? Bad plan since it looks like you cannot even read a map, let alone write properly in English.

E–VERIFY WOULD DO THE JOB, BUT DON'T COUNT ON DEMOCRATS TO DO IT...DEMOCRATS ARE CATERING TO THE HISPANIC VOTERS...PROMISING THEM AMNESTY-–THE DREAM ACT....THE DREAM ACT , it send kids of illegals to college at tax payers expense..only in America

MEXICAN GANGS IN THE U.S. ARE THE ONES WHO PROVIDE THE GUNS TO THE MEXICAN CARTELS IN MEXICO...THEY ALSO CONTROL THE TRAFFIC OF DRUGS....THEY ARE DESTROYING OUR COUNTRY. ARIZONA IS INFECTED WITH ILLEGALS WHO DEAL IN DRUGS.....WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR IDIOT POLITICIANS ????????

Awful. These types of people are also in Philadelphia now. A changed Philly. But its our own damn fault. Especially when the left is in control. I'm not right wing nut but these types are the ones who've allowed a PC world to flourish and these types of peoples and cultures, mentalities to enter the country behind those ideals and just take advantage of the USA.

We as a country, need to say to these ignorants, no, you come here and leave your old ways behind. Respect this country, its peoples, its culture, do not come here and try to change it or ruin it. No, you can't put candles and mexican flags at street memorials. No, you can't let your offspring become gang bangers, no, you have to learn english, no, you have to keep your neighborhoods clean, no you can't set up a taco stand with lightbulbs in every corner, no you can't fix your car on the street, NO. NO. NO.

ITo better identify these people is to label them as we do in the general latin american community as "CHUSMA".

Its a type of ignorant people that do not come to improve or assimilate but to ruin, destroy and corrupt, change America into Mexico. They have not interest in the betterment of this country.

And let me tell you, I'm a non-Mexican Latin American, amazing I have to point that out, but we don't like what they are doing to this country either.

the US is pathetic. what a country that doesn't care about its own boarders and security. just scary stuff. good neighbors, good people? lol, that's an excuse for allowing the law to be broken?... they can be that in mexico, here they are breaking the federal law and the federal government doesn't care.

Unfortunately, many of the people making comments about this article don't understand (failure of the American school system) that many of the problems of Mexico started right here in the U.S. and are fueled by the U.S. Who supplies the firearms to the drug cartels in Mexico, who is the number one buyer of the drugs supplied by Mexican cartels, yes, if you said the United States you would be correct! As for gangs in the U.S., we don't just have Mexican gangs, we have black, white, Russian, Armenian, etc. gangs so don't be so selective about where the gangs are from. And for the idiot that made comments about the East Los Angeles gangs, well look around fool, you will find that there are gangs of every color and nationality all over L.A. In our area the biggest problem was Anglo and white supremicist (biker) gangs. Get an education and realize that Americans are a big part of the problems in Mexico, we need to stop shipping arms all over the world and stop drug use here. No drug use and the cartels will dry up. I miss going to Mexico and weekend trips and I enjoy Mexican food and now it's too dangerous to go south of the border so lets get our own act together in the U.S. instead of contributing to the drug war south of the border.

What you say is beyond foolish. Mexicans coming over in droves illegally is not the fault of weapons sales to cartels. in LA the gang problem is Alomost entirely black and latino. Armenian? Really? Yes its Amrmenians that are reprodoucing like rabbits and sucking up every social service we have to offer. Go drive down the 710 freeway and see how lovely it is....

MEXICAN GANGS ARE DEALING IN THE GUN TRADE–DRUGS –KILLINGS...YOU NAME IT...THE CARTERS HAVE MEXICANS IN THE U.S. AND IN MEXICO DOING THEIR DIRTY WORK...FORGOT TO MENTION KIDNAPPING TO....WE GOT TO SECURE OUR SOUTH BORDER...BUT IS GOING TO BE UP TO CITIZENS TO DO IT....OUT POLITICIANS SOLD OUT FOR VOTES.

LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THOSE WHO DEFEND THE ILLEGALS ? PROFIT FROM THEM...I CAN'T SEE ANY OTHER REASON FOR DEFENDING CRIMINALS....POLITICIANS WANT THEIR VOTES--CATHOLIC CHURCH WANT THEIR MONEY...IS GOING TO BE UP TO AMERICAN CITIZEN TO GO DOWN AND SECURE THAT DAM BORDER.

This is another example of Through-the-straw reporting... I know a dude who hauls at least 100lbs per month out of Ulysses and brings it up north... I wonder why CNN neglected to inform you all of that little part of the story? Must not fit their agenda...

asaf3, It was a rhetorical question but since you made some noise. Your answer is wrong. CNN chose to sugarcoat the reality in this town. Reality is it is a hub for drug and people trafficking. But, if you want to believe the CNN sugarcoated propaganda version, more power to ya... Pass the cool-aide.

I think one of the biggest fears from immigration is the loss of english. What a nightmare. If we imposed English as the national language and assured all immigrants (within their capability) learn and use it, then a lot of the anger that drives anti immigration campaigns would dissipate. We have a lot of immigrants that do speak english from all around the world. We just don't realize they are immigrants because they speak english and make it a point to fit in, with pride.

Oh, PLEASE! if we imposed English as a national language (and gave some sort of "pass-or-get-out" test to everyone), most native-born Americans would fail–in typically American "exceptional" fashion. Proof, you ask? Just read the comments here on CNN sometime. Listen to the "callers" on a radio show. No matter what they're actually SAYING, the "marginal literacy" just bleeds through doesn't it? The language they've (presumably) been using with their entire lives. The only excuse I HAVEN'T heard is "a big fat kid sat in front of me for twelve straight years in school."

Puleeze! to you. I'm not even talking about grammatically correct Queen's English. I'm speaking in terms of basic english. If you'd get a clue, many migrants don't speak a lick of english. And when they can start claiming ignorance to the law because of it, we've got big problems. BTW, what will you do when english isn't enough to get a job? Do you really want to learn spanish in addition to all of your other education requirements?! What about when you can't understand your legislature because they speak spanish, or chinese. The knife cuts both ways.

I think thats a great story and more people need to realize that immigration does benefit the United States! Everyone is so preoccuped with illegal this or illegal that, let them be! No one crosses illegally because they want to hurt themselves or their families, nobody. It is for a better opportunity and we, as Americans, still benefit when they arrive in our town and cities. Good for Kansas!

BRAVO! Excellent article which shows that most immigrants, like the majority of Americans, just want to have a better life for their family. It is gratifying to see that a small town is has reversed it's direction and is growing with the help of people who are willing to work together and accept immigrants and change, too bad more Americans can't see the benefits in cooperating with each other.

Well people do cross the border to run from police....it's just that it is American's crossing into Mexico. I think it's a good trade off for America. WE get the decent families, they get our criminals. Sucks for Mexico though.

Unfortunately, many do it out of greed, don't integrate, and don't learn english. Many expect to be catered to and view the US as the land of plenty. We are not the land of plenty and our economy is a delicate balance. Our culture is made of heritage from many countries. Being inundated from one country with no immigration controls is destabilizing to our cultural heritage and our political system, not to mention our education system. It is at question whether the economic advantages benefit middle class or if it just makes the rich richer. How will legislatures and courts deal with english laws interpreted in spanish? How can spanish speaking people make laws based on centuries of english tradition and legal precedence? Keep in mind that the definition of a word can make or break a president.

Seriously to all the people who support ILLEGAL ALIENS in America visit their towns they reside at, you will see the reality what it is to live in mexico and what the future holds for America if don't stop them now.

Ah indeed, I do need to work on my English, could you define "failed" country for me please? And maybe you should look up the term tongue in cheek or sarcasm...I keep forgetting how Mexico is made up of 99% bad people...oh that's right it's the government

Mexico is failing, not because of it's people, but because of the destruction brought on by our insatiable drug habits. American drug needs fuel the corruption of the government and destroy the social fabric of Mexico. We have to accept much of the responsibility for Mexico's plight.

Mexico is failing because it has failed to develop itself, the drug trade is a sympton, not a cause. Mexico has been an independent country nearly as long as the U.S. with many of the same natural resources, ye has failed to develop because the wealth was concentrated in a few hundred families and a middle class was never allowed to develop.

It's nice if these members of the community are working hard, here legally, and contributing to their town. BUT it is still ridiculous that the local school district has to find bilingual resources. The concept of cultural assimilation should not be offensive. Why is it only in the U.S. that foreigners are offended by the idea of having to learn the local language in order to get by? I am extremely well-traveled and I speak 3 languages fluently (and about 5 semi-fluently)...I have never encountered another culture or nation where the citizens bow down to immigrants and foreigners and try to scramble to learn their languages instead of expecting them to do one simple thing: respectfully learn to communicate with the citizens in their own language.

gst: "Why is it only in the U.S. that foreigners are offended by the idea of having to learn the local language in order to get by?"

Because morons in the U.S. like to play the race card.

No one would seriously contend that if you moved to France that you could demand that they write all government papers in English, teach in English in schools, or that the French should all speak English to accommodate you.

The same is true for any country.

So why do foreigners go to the U.S. and demand that the U.S. speak a foreign language instead?

Kids at the age in the video shown, do not know what cultural assimilation is. It may be that ( and more than likely) in order for them to grasp the syntax and semantics of the english language, having it presented in their native tounge may ease that process. Because you are now an adult and know nearly 5 languages, do not be offended that these migrated youth who have their shot right now are doing so with the help of a bilingual assistant.

How about those jobs in the oil and gas fields and in the cattle industry go to American citizens, of whatever ethnicity, instead of to immigrants? And don't give me that BS about "Americans won't do those jobs", they've been doing them for generations and they will continue to do so IF the people who run things will hire them.

Just hear yourself . "How about those jobs in the oil and gas fields and in the cattle industry go to American citizens, of whatever ethnicity, instead of to immigrants?"
All Americans are immigrants. the only real Americans are the natives.did you meant illegal immigrants? If so then they can not work the those jobs, because it's illegal.If the company gets caught having illegal workers, they get screwed big time, and they don't want that.

When I lived in Ulysses, there were plenty of American to do those jobs, and they did them, myself included.
BTW – I have a sister-in-law that lives in a nearby town and she no longer even plants a garden because of the population of vultures and lazies that live across the street. They could plant their own garden, but would rather steal from her. They get mad at her when she runs them off. She has some nerve, huh! And don't even get me started om Garden City, Ks.!

buzz: "Ignorance is not knowing something,stupidity is knowing and still doing it.Ignorance is bliss, cherish it."

Ignorance is bliss, eh?

So when you're ignorant of the outcomes of your decisions, and most decisions you could make will hurt you, what are the chances that you'll do the wrong thing and suffer bad consequences? Fairly high.

So it seems ignorance isn't bliss because you'll always be hurting yourself.

Just because my name is Latino that doesn't mean i have to support ILLEGAL ALIENS,i work law enforcement I'm tired of these mexican aliens.My home town was really quite back in the days, now more is becoming hell mexico I'm sick of it.

Obviously, the mayor does not pay taxes or pay his own health care. Otherwise, he would care about the rising costs that these illegal immigrants are costing his town and nation as a whole. What kind of example is being set by a mayor who is fostering or harboring illegal behavior.

Wow! Leave it to a bunch of nimrods to fail to see the point of this article. I think it's a good example of how people can get along and see past the differences. I think this community has seen the hate that can be wedged in between good neighbors over something as silly as where they were born.

Let's hope the "Karl Rove" types don't land here and make an issue out of a peaceful community. Good for them!

Yeah, so what if I didn't...I didn't know walking riled up so much anger in people...and why are you so afraid to die anyway?

This culture of fear you describe is overblown, I suppose the world is ending this year too? Actually its those damn Mayans ending it again, jeeze those Mexicans get around to destroying things don't they

You people who support ILLEGAL ALIENS need to move in to all the barrios were mexicans live.Trust me you'll change your mind,these people are filthy,criminals and negligent all they do is multiply like roaches, they produce anchor babies to get all the social services American tax payers pay for.

And i'm sure Jose Martinez is your real name...oh yeah and all the crime seems to be just drying up in this country from all of the other categories of people...0% white crime and 0% black crime...give me a break

Don't generalize people...I don't like big government...but if I want to hate your God, I will, I can do whatever I want just like you can, but I will still respect humanity...unless you do something wrong to me or my family, I have no reason to hate

Yep. Because the liberal white man/woman Californicator does not have children, supports strange-flesh, supports baby-killing, supports big fat government all of which reduces his number. Thereofe we need the latino to come in and replace the liberal Californicator as they have screwed their own nest.

Why the Immigration authorities don't go there and take all those illegals and send them to were they coming from? they are like rats they prolifer and have more babies like rabbits and in top of that they don't speak English,I am not talking about Mexicans what about Colombians ,Cubans...yes Cubans they are here Illegal but Carter administration give it to them the free card ,Venezuelan,and all South America.the Imigration reform is too far away to kick this illegals from here, this Country is going down since we take care of all the illegals with free education,free housing,feee medical assistance this is not news ...go to MIami (called Cuba capital) is only cubans there ghetto and the Government taking care of this people who are in the streets just playing dominoes all day .while we seniors still working at daily basis we don't use and abuse the systme like them! This is America were any illegals come and is welcome ,you go to Mexico and they will deport you same in Colombia you can walk the streets without papers otherwise they will deport you? what is wrong with this country?

Many Mexican Americans were in California, Texas, and Arizona before they were achieved statehood. They are Americans. I would trade 2 Mexican illegals for each liberal go the other direction any day. After 10 or so years you would be proud of America again. Nice to see Ms. Obama dancing with Helen the Degenerate on the TV this morning. We love to watch liberal degenerates on the tube with our first lady, but hate the hard working brown man.

It's government not protecting it's citizens. Simple really. The illegals come here because they can get away with it. Everybody does things they can get away with until they no longer can then they stop.

There is no question that there are are a lot a very nice people that are of Hispanic origin living in the United States that is not the question, this is about US law and the enforcement of it or the lack thereof.
I would like to hear from the politicians without political incentive put a plan out there that would fix our immigration laws to allow all of those very nice people to come here legally and without fear And without being a burden to the American taxpayer In these very difficult times of our economy.

America has never enfrorced it because the immigrant is the fuel of a strong economy. They create more new businesses and work harder and smarter than native born Americans who refuse to get a useful college education or take control of their life and family. Without the immigrant we would have a negative birthrate/repacement rate like the European. We get the added bonus that most of our immigrants are Christians with a strong work ethic to replace the lazy God-hating, child-killing, strange-flesh loving, government-sucking liberal that has lazed around the pig trough for to long.

It's easy to find stories that are fuzzy warm and fuzzy picture on illegal immigration is nothing more than a political spin on a problem that is facing our nation, there are laws in place come United States and make it their home, and that is a great thing and there is no doubt our immigration laws needed Changes but by our federal government and state, local government turning a blind eye to the laws that are on the books is not the way to make change in a society that is made up of law that all citizens are required to live by.

Heck, English as a language is inadequate and at best a travesty of both grammar and expression when compared to most other languages. English had very little to do with this part of the world, what is being witnessed is a natural progression of decay of what is perceived as a norm. The demographics of this part of the world changed a long time ago. It is obvious that once color of the population has one set of values, and the other a different set. Again, it is perception and posture that defines whether a value set is legal or moral. Add this to the wonderful and controlling evil called religion, and it will make sure that people remain divided – while the authorities that control the two large relion looks one way when there are molestations in its organization, and the other that had both molestations and large scale violence of its non believers.
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Maybe, just maybe when the bearded man from the field that sprung in Illinois said Government "of the people, for the people and by the people", really meant, "off the people, far the people and buy the people". I am sure in his wisdom, he did see that Governments at best maintain status quo – meaning do nothing, or worsen the situation.

The most important commandment (Mark 12:30–31) "Love they neighbor as thyself" According to Jesus Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does NOT DISHONOR OTHERS, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps NO RECORDS OF WRONG. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Immigrants are the main starters of new businesses and take skilled positions in building trades. They are not only field workers as some still want to believe. If after being in America a few generations you have to wait for someone to create you a job, then you have a problem. Immigrants primarily start businesses because many Americans will not hire them in skill positions. Get off your bums and do something or step aside and let the brown man do it.

Those family farms are being bought up by huge Agra corporations they then sell some of the land with sub prime mortgages for housing to their illegal workers. The corporation then raises food costs in the US ( even though most are subsidized by the US Government) to subsidize the low cost to the product it sells abroad.

That's right they all moved to the big city to get an iPhone and hate god. They also do not have children and cry and complain instead of work and educate themselves and their children as the immigrant does.

OK OK I say if you are going to live in AMERICA than be legal and SPEAK ENGLISH. i so tired of have to press buttons on
the phone to get ENGLISH...THIS IS AMERICA..COME IN THE FRONT DOOR OF AMERICA NOT THE BACK....

@londa,
first, LOL WUT?
second, you are correct the >UNITED STATES< of America is a country, but the Americas is a continent, which is then broken down to North America, Central America, and South America
third, there's a tiny part of Canada (Quebec), part of North America, that speaks French

Yes, the USA is a country in America. So why do people insist on thinking that America is somehow limited to the USA? Canada is part of America, Mexico is part of America, Chile, Brazil, etc. all part of America. Quit whinning and push that button for English, which is always "1"!

However, the world chooses to call the United States of America – "America". I agree Canada is American and Mexico is American in the general sense of the word. But what would you call United States citizens? Do we not exist without a name? We did not pick the label, it evovolved.

When it's French, it's okay. When it's German, it's okay. But let it be a language like Spanish and OMG!!! No one learns a new language overnight! It takes time...even those of us who were born here didn't learn it overnight. Our English was perfected through education and practice. These people DO want to speak English, and they are practicing. But asking them to know it as soon as they walk in the door is ridiculous.

It's mostly corporate that panders to illegals, all the new laundromats are dual language now. It's actually quite annoying to deal with, I don't know what text to look at half the time because the fonts are exactly the same.

Many illegals are brought to the US with the help and inspiration by large right wing corporations. Politicians that live in a predominately hispanic community will kiss up to the hispanic voting contingent, it does not matter if they are Republican or Democrat. If hispanics were so liberal in there voting then why do they support everything that is anti liberal? They are against gun control, they are creationist that believe in the Almighty Words Garbage, they vote against legalizing marijuana, how would you explain the strong Republican base in Southern California. If California were divided between North and South, marijuana would have been legalized in Northern California long ago.

The mayor's denial behavior makes the case. Latinos are
mostly Catholic. It's a subtle way to build a theocracy.
Keep your god out of our government. Keep your beliefs,
which are not truths, at home or at church, where they
freely belong. Speak English in public. In private and in
ethnic establashments, speak your language, express
your culture. On the street, be American first. Stubborn
diversity is killing this country. It's about being on the
same page.

Haters of God are haters of family values, supporters of strange flesh, supporters of killing the unborn and as such are burning out as their replacment rate is negative. That is the birthrate of the more godly and moral hispanic is much higher as is the Christian natives. Therefore liberal immorality and atheists are slowly burning out in their own caustic and combustible juices.

The American government has allowed our borders to remain porous for many years for economic reasons. The immigrant is more hungry to utilize American capitalism to start businesses and to work hard. First generation millionaires in our country are overwhelmingly foriegn born. After a generation or two their children become slothful just like the less energetic of our youth. Immigrants are the fuel to a robust economy. We need someone to have children to replace the liberals that are burning themselves out. Supporting abortion, strange flesh, and setting on your bum living off the government a growing and robust populace does not make.

um no. i am mexican american. a purple heart veteran. i was in line at the grocery store and i was speaking on the phone with my grandmother, in SPANISH. this idiot behind me says to me " speak english or go back to mexico!" go back to mexico?? 1. just because i speak spanish doesnt mean im from mexico. i could be from any part of latin america. OR it could just mean that im BILINGUAL! 2. im on a private phone call, i will speak in whatever language i chose to speak in. 3. i am a veteran! i have done what many americans arent willing to do. racist bigots like these is what makes me ashamed to have fought for a country filled with so much hate against people who are latinos. my skin is tan and i speak spanish. thats all this bigot saw. and thats all he needed to make a stupid comment assumption. i will speak spanish in public if i wish for as long as i live!! caso cerrado!!

there is a lot of anger out there and being politicized both by Democrats and Republicans just as the racial issues of the 50s are coming back around again, Americans are being manipulated and it is the government's responsibility to provide immigration laws enforcement of immigration laws and the protection of the American people from people that would do harm to them from coming across our borders but instead what is in the news are stories that get people angry in a way that is not constructive and ultimately harmful to any debate on either side. And although the person making the comment to in your scenario was incorrect obviously the anger that the person has is a direct manipulation of politicians.
It's time that we ask our government to do their job without gain or payback from those that employ them a.k.a. US citizen.

Speak English ,why we have to push the English buttom ? only Spanish ? this Country has many languages and the only language we have to click is for Spanish...why? everyone from another Country speak English except the Hispanics...for respect to others speak English I bet you are even ILLEGAL! when you go to Rome you speak Roman!it is very unconfortable been around others speaking other language,good manners teach that!

to Maria:
Speak English ,why we have to push the English buttom ? only Spanish ? this Country has many languages and the only language we have to click is for Spanish...why? everyone from another Country speak English except the Hispanics...for respect to others speak English I bet you are even ILLEGAL! when you go to Rome you speak Roman!it is very unconfortable been around others speaking other language,good manners teach that!
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Actually, when you go to Rome, you'd be better off speaking Italian.

Let's ratchet down the fear and hatred, folks, and not get caught up in the politics of fear and lack. The Ulysses story shows that the community is benefitting from the influx: work is getting done, businesses are staying in business, and Anglos and Hispanics are living and working together. We'll get through this just fine.

The criminal behavior that has created the most havoc in recent years was done by rich, smart & English-speaking Americans seeking outrageous profits in the financial sector, remember? Unfortunately, character doesn't show up in skin color.

the comment about romans or whatever is not me. that Marias has a capital "M." and to this PUTO: yes my race is latina but im AMERICAN. i was BORN HERE!! my parents are AMRICAN! soo, that bigots comment and assumption didnt makes sense because, again (maybe youre a little slow), im not from mexico so why would i have to "go back"? im BILINGUAL! here in az its only ok to be bilingual if youre not latino. the puto name serves you good! its ok if you dont understand though🙂

These towns in western KS are struggling to survive. The 2010 census determined that most of these countries in western KS lost more than 10% of population in the last 10 years. Prolonged drought and high energy prices have resulted in the death of the American family farm. Last summer was a disaster for agriculture in western KS. The western 2/3 of the state parched in record heat and no rain. Immigrants are welcomed to keep the towns alive so no one reports problems of illegal immigration to ICE. They can live under the radar there.

Former Senator and presidential candidate, now Governor Brownback, decided to give a 5 year state income tax break to anyone who moved there from outside the state. While picking and choosing winners and losers is generally a bad idea, it isn't going to help this issue. People wont come there if there are no jobs there. If anything, poeple will set up a post office box, while actually residing somewhere else, to avoid pay state income taxes in any state.

There are vast stretches of potentially-productive land there, but water is the problem. The extreme eastern portion of KS suffered from flooding while the west dried up. What KS needs is a wind powered irrigation system to pump water from east to west for agriculture....that will run all year long to fill up reserviors for summertime use. Wind is abundant in KS. These towns are running out of drinking water because the aquifers are so depleted from irragation. But Brownback cant get it. They have a lot of meetings and conferences, as they have done for decades, on the aquifer depletion, but they never actually do anything to bring a gallon of water back in. They have talked and studied it for years, but they have done nothing. A real soliution to the water problem would turn all this around.

If the only way these towns "survive" is to flood them with illegal aliens, then they need to go the way of the buffalo. Either you're a country of law or a country of convenience. And if convenience is the rule, then it's every man, town and business for itself. Can't imagine that kind of anarchy working out either short or long term.

But the wind is there. And you dont suck it, you pump it. There is already a 500 mile water pipeline going in from Wyoming to eastern CO. It can be done. It is already being done.

I am working on a project where a copper mine in northing Chile is desalinating seawater and pumping it up to reserviors in the Andes Mountains at 10,000 feet. We can pump water up a couple thousand feet. Americans dont realize that must of the major feats of engineering are no longer going on at home. The rest of world is doing it while we bicker year-after-year over partisan politics

My reference to "sucking" had only to do with most of the wind power being located in western Kansas.
By the way, I live in Sout East Kansas and my only water source is a well that provides salt water (about 3% salt.) What is the process that Chile is using to desalinate sea water? Would it be feasible for a residential application.

Have you evern seen an electrical transmission line? There are all over the place and the entire American grid is currently being upgraded. Moving electricty is not a problem. Most the electricity generated in KS, by wind, is sold out of state now.

I like this piece in general, but why is it okay to generalize and refer to people of European descent as Anglo? Anglo refers to England, and not every white person is of English descent. Chances are most of the people are pretty German.

'Anglo' may now be thought to only mean 'of English descent' but the Angles (along with the Saxons and Jutes) arrived in Britain from what is now the Benelux countries and Germany, so historically the use of the term 'anglo' is appropriate.

I live in Texas and am considered an "Anglo" even though I'm Polish - it's used by many as a generic word for Caucasian, just as "Hispanic" is a generic word covering a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities. If it's OK to call someone a Hispanic regardless of whether they're Cuban or Mexican or Guatemalan, it's just as fine to call me an Anglo. It's ridiculous that we are still so caught up in labels and compartmentalizing people that you'd think everyone works for the census.

I'm from Kansas, and Ulysses is an extremely small western KS town with not much to offer. It's not close to anything except more prairie (and maybe Liberal, KS which is also mostly Mexican). The mayor is looking for any glimmer of hope that his town isn't dying. That's all.

One thing for sure people will sell their American Heritage for a little bit of nothing or just bragging rights.look at what we have done we sent our children off to seek employment elsewhere and replaced them with illegals.We furnish them with jobs, education,health care that we could not afford to give our own.what a wonderful world we live in.

perfect example of how we could move forward if we all would put our differences aside to build a better community , as for the illegal immigration part , it's only mentioned once and as a speculation by some "old gray haired ladies ", but what you fail to realize is that the Hispanic influx saved a small town from demise, and not to mention they “pay taxes, buy homes, buy vehicles, buy groceries, so it helps the economy.”

All I need to say is come to California and you will see how illegal Mexicans that now take up 39% of the population has tripled in the las 30 years, while other races population has stayed constant. If you stay here long enough you will notice the large increase in organized gang crime. There is no place you can go in California without seeing gang tags, and many neighborhoods that you would never drive into without risking your life. The Mexican Criminal element in California is more to be feared than Arab terrorists thousands of miles away. Why is America more concerned about foreign borders and less concerned about its own countries border and spending more money abroad than at home?

Thank you for a positive piece about immigration! The idea that they don't pay taxes is absurd. Is the immigration system broken? Yes, but let's get our facts straight people because the notion that they don't pay taxes is simply not true.

I have an idea ,Jen. How about if you move to Ulysses, and bask in the sunshine and harmony there? I can garentee several things: 1. You won't be moving there. 2. you are very naive 2. none of the CNN writers that write this garbage will be moving there. 3. none of our politicians that promote ILLEGAL immigration will be moving there.

I dont think the immigration system is broken at all. We let more ppl into our country then almost any other in the world. have you ever read mexico's immigration policy? Also, most illegal immigrants dont pay income tax. Some do find channels to do such a thing but to say that most do is completely absurd. Just over half of legal citizens pay taxes so I am hardpressed to think the illegals are making more of an effort.

Why do religious charities spend more money abroad than in the US. When Haiti was hit by an earthquake it was Catholic Charities that were caught trying to bring illegals into the US, claiming they were orphaned, the church then proceeded to sell some of the trafficked children, only later to find that they were not orphaned at all.

Wow loverspoint, you are clearly biased against religon. Im an atheist but definitely dont buy into this consipracy none sense. Catholics have always helped ppl in need and not just to convert more ppl. Religous charities are some of the best and most efficient in the world and do a lot of good. Stop hating on religon, it gets you no where. I learned that a long time ago.

I'm also sure, like 999% sure that most Americans who are overly concerned about illegal aliens in the country are Christians. So, I wonder if what they think of Jesus' illegal status when his parents had to fun across the border into Egypt to hide him from getting killed. Wonder if they think that Jesus was a legal citizen in Egypt? Emmm? It was Jesus himself who said that we should look after the aliens among us. Why? Because he knew what it was like to be one...and illegal at that! That's right. Jesus and his parents had no legal status in Egypt.

UhyeahOK: The most important commandment (Mark 12:30–31) "Love they neighbor as thyself" According to Jesus Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does NOT DISHONOR OTHERS, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps NO RECORDS OF WRONG. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Obey the laws of the land as long as they do not conflict with the law of God. Romans 13:1-7 ... LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AND DON"T JUDGE THEM! You don't know how hard the life they live is until you walk a mile in their shoes. You never know when you'll need the compassion and forgiveness your denying those you criticize ...

MM, I am very concerned (first-hand knowledge) about illegal immigration of Mexican nationals.
I am not only non-christian, I am firmly set in my belief that there is no possible "god" in the concept of christians.
I do believe firmly that there is a problem with Mexican nationals living illegally in our country and am opposed to them just slightly more than 99.9%. Like 100%.

WHY YOU PEOPLE REFER TO ILLEGALS AS MEXICANS? THEY ILLEGALS FROM CUBA (YES CUBANS THEY ARE HERE ILLEGALLY), COLOMBIA,VENEZUELA,SANTO DOMINGO,BRAZIL,HONDURAS,PERU,ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA DON'T FOCUS ONLY IN MEXICANS FOCUS IN ALL THE COUNTRIES OUT OF USA! THE MOST DANGER GANGS ARE FROM CENTRAL AMERICA HOW SAD THEY CAME HERE STARVING GET HERE FREE EDUCATION FREE FOOD ,AND ENDING IN GANGS KILLING AMERICANS WHO OPEN THE ARMS TO THEM THIS IS THE ONLY COUNTRY AT THE WORLD WHO WELCOME ILLEGALS ! ALL THIS ILLEGALS USE AND ABUSE THE SYSTEM WHILE WE HAVE TO WORK HARD AND PAY TAXES!

Maria, I did not refer to all illegals as Mexicans. I stated that I had first-hand knowledge of the problems illegal mexican nationals caused. Do not put words into my statements that do not exist. I was very careful in my verbiage.

and doorbell, if I lost you at the wording "not christian" it speaks volumes about how truly unchristian you are acting.
If simple words / thoughts (that do not coincide with yours) sway you to ignoring my statements, then you are not worth having in any group.

Christianc in my experience, do not allow others to formulate thoughts that do not cozy up to their way of thinking.
Typical, but sad anyway.

Maybe we should just mail US Passports and citizenship papers to anybody in the world who wants them. We could also send applications (in their native language) for food stamps, subsidized housing, Medicaid, etc. This would save all those people the trouble of having to sneak across the border or take an "anchor baby" flight into the country.

Yes, I have seen many towns here in California also "transformed" by mass ILLEGAL immigration. The mayor in Ulysses, who does "not care " about the fact that many of his residents are Illegal, is a perfect example of the corrupt politics in this Country. I would bet good money that he he has a big stake in local business's that make large profits off the cheap illegal labor he is importing. Just wait until the second generation gang violence, overwhelmed hospitals, and bankrupt City services, engulf the town. By then , Mr Battin will be living a long way from Ulysses, and living very well.

Agreed. I live in California and can attest to the fact that "first generation" mexicans generally do come here to find work and are generally good people. However, their children (or "second generation") are the gang bangers and troublemakers.

Part of the banking collapse is due to banks giving loans with no money down to buy houses by illegal immigrants, It is not by mistake that many of the towns where foreclosures are highest are in farming communities inhabited by illegals. Hey, by he time the bank gets around to foreclosing they have lived in a brand new home for a year- rent free.

Press 4 for "I am an oblivious bleeding heart moron that thinks it is ok for non-citizens to break federal law and it's a-ok." Press 5 for "I am for open borders, and have no idea what that really means."
Press 6 for "I like to label people with different opinions as 'haters' because my logic is indefensible."

You are in error. This is hardly an "Obama" problem. At LEAST 5-6 presidents in a row, on BOTH sides, have struggled with the immigration problem. AND, it was a Republican president, I believe, that let most of the them in last time. I'm not just refering to Mexicans, I mean from every nation.

To summarize: I heard of some crappy little town in Kansas with a bunch of Mexicans and it's not a problem. The presumed take away: we don't need to worry about illegal immigration. Thanks for letting your liberal bias show through CNN.

ANYONE WHO DEFEND ILLEGALS ? PROFIT FROM THEM..YES WE DO HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM WITH ILLEGALS...BUSINESS OWNERS LOVE ILLEGALS I UNDERSTAND THAT...WHY PAY AMERICANS 12 AN HOUR CAN YOU CAN GET AN ILLEGAL FOR $ 8 AN HOUR WITH NO BENEFITS...WHEN THEY GET SICK-INJURED-HAVE BABIES ? WHO PAYS ? TAX PAYERS DO...

So you are saying that Ulysses has become a safe haven for illegals, In 10 years the population will be 30,000 and 90% mexican, the official language will be spanish and crime will be up 3 fold. I live in a city where theft has sky rocketed ever since the Mexican population has gone unchecked. Please CNN quit trying to paint the rosy picture of immigration and show America the true dirty side. While you are at it, show how much money tax money Ulysses generates, I'll bet this town is sucking up more state funds than it is producing.

WHEN YOU SAY SPANISH ? MOST OF THEM ARE MEXICANS AND MAYBE SOME FROM SOUTH AMERICA...SPANISH ? THERE ARE OVER 10 DIFF GROUPS ......I'M SURE THE MAJORITY ARE MEXICANS, THEY ELECT THEIR OWN MAYOR–POLICE-AND NO ONE IS GOING TO DEPORT THEM

RD and Latinnno, you both fail at reading the article. They are not illegals, they pay taxes, buy homes, etc. They are legal migrants that intend to stay, not those that take jobs to send money back to Mexico.

James, they did read the article, the article does not state that all are legal, the article says that the Mayor does not care to know. So, does not ask the question. Kind of like the ostrich with his head in the sand. What I do not know can be denied.

nor did it say that the immigrants came illegally, it's these assumptions that make people fearful and ignorant. and if they're contributing to society and the our economy(pay taxes, investing in the community), let them at least try to begin the naturalization process, IF they're illegals. for those born natively to the United States, you wouldn't know the process of how long it takes and the amount of money to become a citizen, even for a green card. and i can guarantee you 90% of americans, who would walk in and take the written test right now would fail miserably.

ILLEGALS ARE TAKING OVER OUR COUNTRY....WE GOT TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR OF ARIZONA WITH A CONTRIBUTION TO FINISH THE WALL ON THE SOUTH BORDER...SHE GOT GUTS...ONE OF THE FEW FIGHTING THE WAR BY HERSELF..

you know, they're not the only ones "leeching" from society. yes they're a part of it, but to blame them completely is just turning a blind eye to the entire issue and placing blame on the easiest target.

yes, we have millions that are unemployed. yes, have millions of jobs available, but the jobs available, most white americans see it beneath them. there are some who actually do go out and get whatever job they can till they can get back to their job skill levels, but for most this is not the case. so how are the minority "stealing" jobs that no one wants?

This town WAS biting the dust because all of its children were leaving. Just like is happening all across rural America. Towns that once had 50,000 residents now count themselves as lucky to have 500 residents. Most of those 500 are elderly or "mid life" and wondering who will be turning the lights out and rolling up the sidewalks when the last one passes on or goes to live with their kids. An influx of immigrants, legal or otherwise, is resurrecting the town, not dooming it. And, per the mayor, those new residents ARE paying taxes. So there goes your xenophobic theories.

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS ? 90 % OF THE KIDS ARE ILLEGALS, WHITES-BLACKS-THE PR ALL MOVED OUT...THEY HAVE LIKE 40 KIDS PER CLASS ROOM...THE TOWN–SCHOOLS LOOK LIKE A CITY GARBAGE DUMP...NO KIDDING , LOOK IT UP ON GOOGLE

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What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.